And in lighter news. They established their association a little under 5 years ago with a mission to strengthen the relationship between the Garifuna Community and Law enforcement through charity work. The Garifuna American Law enforcement group is in Belize and they handed out some awards today. Jomarie Lanza was at the event and here's what happened.
The Garifuna American Law Enforcement Association is a non profit organization founded and run by Garifuna police officers from the New York Police Department. They conduct charity work in countries of their descent and that has brought them to Belize giving back and recognizing select persons from the schools they have helped.
Sgt Tyron McFazdean, Garifuna American Law enforcement
"We pretty much represent countries that have Garifuna heritage so we focus on Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize the United States and obviously St Vincent. Our goal is, primarily, is to do humanitarian services and try to go back to places we came from and give out however and whatever aid we can. For this trip in particular we gave out sneakers and book bags to students but we were going to try and expand our program and help out in different facets. Like for instance we know there are children homes and stuff here it is something we are considering to try and aid and but, primarily we are just here to try and help out the kids that are growing up in the communities that we grew up in."
Today they handed out a total of 9 awards, 3 students, 3 teachers and 3 principals. Their president says they based their selection on how much these persons have performed and given back to their communities as well.
Stivin Benedict, President, Garifuna American Law enforcement
"So students were selected based on their highest achievements like a student that has done so much for the school, and as well as the teachers too as well."
"We also share these moments with the youth in the community because every time you hear about police officers you don't think the positive you only think about being arrested, but there is also a good side as far as building that bond with the community."
